The Best Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

November 15, 2018

After spending countless hours preparing the turkey, orchestrating the perfect array of side dishes, and decorating your house for visitors, there is one last box to check before sitting down for the biggest feast of the year -- selecting the wine.

Thanksgiving dinner brings many types of foods and flavors, so there are a few factors to consider when deciding what varietal earns a spot on the table. Are you looking for something to pair with the entire meal, or do you want to switch it up course by course? Do guests prefer red or white? What flavors do you want highlighted?

To help narrow it down, we asked the knowledgeable tasting room staff at some of the most notable wineries across the West Coast what they recommend.

“The playful floral nose and delicate stone fruit palate this wine offers is the perfect pairing with your holiday bird and decadent sides! With notes of tropical fruit and a bright mid palate it can stand up to that pound of butter you put in your mashed potatoes.” - Jessie Zielsdorf, Hospitality Manager & Wine Club Concierge at Langtry Estate

"Softer tannins and round palate play nice with the neutral flavors of the Thanksgiving feast, creamy gravy, and turkey." - Andy Slusarenko, Assistant Winemaker & General Manager at Three Rivers Winery

2014 Chalk Hil Estate Pinot Noir

Chalk Hill Estate | Healdsburg, CA

"I'll be bringing our 2015 Estate Pinot Noir. It is a light wine with tons of fresh, bright red fruit on the nose and pallet that plays with the delicateness of the moist turkey and will compliment the sides as well." - Eric Mercer, Senior Hospitality Manager at Chalk Hill

"This wine opens with a gorgeous bouquet of red cherry, rasperry and cassis. The palate follows suit with red fruits, forest floor and notes of espresso. A pleasing acidity complements the fixings of a turkey dinner warmed with sweet potatoes and stuffing and everything in between." - Stephanie Culen, Hospitality and Sales Manager at Roth Estate

"With some some oak influence, this wine offers butterscotch and a nice round finish - but the acidity balances well with any dish on your thanksgiving table." - Linda Van Hook, Group Sales Manager for Southern California, Foley Family Wines

"The 2016 Reserve Santa Margarita Zinfandel has nice soft peppery nose and taste in addition to being fruity and jammy all of which will pair well with all the flavors that tend to be enjoyed during this day of giving thanks. Family and friends will undoubtedly will have an easy time enjoying this wine and bring themselves to ask the question: What other event or occasion can the 2016 Reserve Santa Margarita Zinfandel be enjoyed?" - Jesus Fernandez, Sales Associate at Eos

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